Modal and harmonic analysis of three-dimensional wind turbine models

In this article, the dynamic responses of wind turbine systems are analytically and numerically investigated. For this purpose, analytic differential equations of motion of wind turbine components subjected to vibration (the blades, the nacelle, and the tower) are solved. This allows determining their dynamic characteristics, mode shapes, and natural frequencies. Two models of two three-dimensional (3D) micro-turbine that are created by the finite element method are set up using the new version of the academic finite element analysis software ANSYS. The first wind turbine is a standard micro three-bladed turbine and the second one is a micro six-bladed Rutland 504. Their natural frequencies and mode shapes are identified based on the modal analysis principle to check the validity of designed models. Dynamic behaviors at several operating conditions of wind turbines are established. Then, spectrum graphs of the structures along x-, y- and z-axis are analyzed.